The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2015, and October 31, 2016 (see FAQ for exceptions), are automatically nominated for the 2016 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on November 3, 2016, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

He might just be monkeying around—he is a monkey after all—but little Mimi’s cousin Momo is a relentless teaser. He pulls mean jokes on her, calls her names, and accuses her of being a scaredy pants when he tells her that Grizzly Grilla is stalking the jungle for her. Finally, Mimi has had enough, saying over her shoulder, “I’ll show you, Big poo!” as she takes her leave. Mimi’s grandma helps her deliver to Momo a lesson he will not soon forget. Decked out in a scary mask and a cloak of leaves, Grandma gives Momo a taste of his own medicine. (Clark’s artwork, with its happy colors and exotic locale, is not so terrifying as to curdle young readers’ blood, since they know who is behind the primitive mask.) Momo agrees to chill, and Mimi says she may well laugh the next time she gets teased. If there is a next time. When there is a next time. (Picture book. 3-6)

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